In the wake of the coronavirus pandemic, and amid a debilitating cost-of-living crisis, technology is increasingly becoming an integral way for businesses of all shapes and sizes to drive efficiencies without causing their costs to spiral out of control.
Automation can be hugely beneficial to companies as a cost and time-effective way to streamline processes. Indeed, solutions like Microsoft Power Automate and Microsoft Endpoint Manager are helping to empower teams to work more collaboratively through connected technologies, without unnecessary disruptions being made to existing practices and process.
However, it is all too common for business leaders to invest in solutions under the false pretence that technology is a panacea that can cure all the operational issues they face overnight. Sadly, this is simply not the case, and businesses must ensure they have made the necessary preparations so that their adoption of automation technologies will be successful.
Upskilling and reskilling staff
If the pandemic has taught business leaders one thing, it’s the need to be well prepared to adapt the way in which they work to whatever might be around the corner, and at very short notice.
While the pandemic was a largely unpredictable event that thrust businesses into an incredibly difficult situation, it drove many organisations to be reactive when they should have been proactive. Of course, investing in automation technology will help firms to be more proactive in the face of unforeseen circumstances in the future, but evidently it is not enough to rely on this alone. Employers also need to invest in upskilling and reskilling employees so that they are well equipped to effectively harness technology, and use it to navigate whatever challenges lie ahead.
Assessing which processes should be automated
Many of the business processes that are best suited to automation are those that are time consuming and labour intensive when carried out manually, and don’t provide much in tangible value either.
For example, document management can be a particularly laborious task when carried out manually. As such, automating the management of documents via programmes like SharePoint enables organisations to bring all their files into one, easily accessible digital space, thereby alleviating the manual burden on workers.
However, there are many areas within an organisation that should never be automated as they benefit far more human engagement. For example, there can be instances where an issue a customer is facing may have evoked an acute emotional response, and the ability to speak to a human advisor in such a situation could be hugely comforting and rewarding to them.
In this sense, retaining a strong human presence within certain facets of the business’ practices and processes can provide considerable benefits to the organisation as a whole.
Harmony between humans and technology is key to successful adoption
Investing in technology is a significant step for any business to take. As such, it requires an appropriate level of thought before diving in.
Automation should not be regarded as a ‘silver bullet’ solution to driving efficiencies and productivity. Instead, it needs careful and strategic implementation into a business’ existing operations if it is to have the greatest level of impact.
Business leaders must bear in mind that the key to a successful adoption is ensuring that employees and technology are working together seamlessly and effectively. This not only means providing workers with the necessary digital skills training, but also retaining those areas of the business where a human touch can bring the most value. In short, people and technology must work symbiotically if they are to both thrive and survive in today’s digital landscape.
Talk to us today to find out about automation opportunities for efficiency and cost reduction in your business, so you can focus on what you do best. Email hello@core.co.uk to request a complimentary consultation with one of our specialists.
